Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.
Also known as: Asset Protection Agent, Asset Protection Associate (APA), Asset Protection Coordinator, Asset Protection Detective, Asset Protection Greeter, Asset Protection Investigator, Asset Protection Manager, Asset Protection Officer, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (About average)
What You'd Do
- Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.
- Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.
- Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.
- Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.
- Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.
- Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
- Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
- Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.
- Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.
- Prepare written reports on investigations.
- Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.
- Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.
- Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
- Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.
- Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
- Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.
- Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
- Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.
- Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Related Careers
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.